Day 1 – Introduction & Beach Safety
Campers start with a meet-and-greet on the beach followed by a safety briefing and introduction to the equipment. The group is shown how to warm up properly and how to stay safe in the surf zone. Time is spent getting comfortable with the board on dry land before moving into shallow water for some fun confidence-building exercises and first attempts at paddling and catching waves.
Day 2 – Paddle Skills & Standing Techniques
The second day focuses on paddling techniques and learning how to pop up to a standing position. Instructors offer individual coaching in the water, helping each camper work at their own level. Games and group challenges are included to keep the energy high and reinforce the skills being learned.
Day 3 – Wave Selection & Turning
Campers learn how to identify and choose suitable waves for their ability. Turning and balance are introduced, and there’s more time in the water to practise positioning, take-offs, and longer rides. Mid-session breaks are used for quick games or beach-based activities to recharge.
Day 4 – Board Control & Independent Surfing
With the basics now more familiar, the focus shifts to improving control and confidence. Campers are encouraged to start catching waves with less instructor input, giving them a feel for surfing more independently. Feedback is tailored to each child to help progress their individual technique.
Day 5 – Mini Surf Comp & Beach Games
The final day includes a friendly surf competition, where campers get a chance to show what they’ve learned. This is a relaxed, fun-focused session with lots of cheering and team spirit. It’s followed by beach games, a quick 2-minute beach tidy-up, and a short presentation with small prizes or certificates to round off the week.
All sessions take place at Strandhill Beach in County Sligo, one of Ireland’s best-known surf spots. With consistent waves and a dedicated surf zone marked by safety flags, it’s a great location for beginners to learn under supervision.
The meeting point is directly outside the National Surf Centre, just across from the Strand Bar. This is where instructors will greet all participants each morning. Changing rooms and showers are available for use after each session.
This surf camp is open to children aged nine to fifteen. All participants must be comfortable in the water and able to follow instructions in a group setting.
Previous surfing experience is not required. The camp is designed to cater to complete beginners as well as those who have surfed before and are looking to improve their technique in a friendly, structured setting.
The surf school is staffed entirely by trained and certified surf instructors who hold beach lifeguard qualifications from Irish Water Safety, Level 1 Surf Instructor certification from Irish Surfing, and Safeguarding 1 Children’s Safety certification from Sport Ireland. Safety is taken seriously, with instructors choosing the most suitable beach zones each day, backed by emergency equipment and communication tools like walkie-talkies and mobile phones.
With more than ten years of experience leading surf lessons and youth surf camps in Strandhill, the surf school is led by a national bodyboarding champion who is committed to high-quality instruction and building positive beach experiences. The school follows Irish Surfing guidelines to ensure best-practice procedures are met, offering a well-organised, safe, and fun environment for young surfers to learn and grow.
About the centre
Strandhill
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Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
From £175
